What are the benefits of interacting with nature?
Recently, the demand for outdoor activities has been increasing.
Besides the ability to avoid crowds, outdoor activities offer various benefits gained through interacting with nature.
◈ So, what specific benefits are there?
3 benefits obtained through interacting with nature
First, the greatest benefit of spending time in nature is said to be the relaxation effect on both mind and body. In fact, many people may have experienced a sense of "healing" when visiting a nature-rich place on a day off. Environments abundant in nature are filled with experiences you can't have in the city, such as smelling the scent of flowers and trees, leisurely listening to birdsong, and feeling the gentle breeze on your skin.
A study investigating the therapeutic effects of feeling "healing" in nature measured hormone secretion levels of 420 subjects across 35 forests nationwide. The results showed that the secretion of cortisol, known as a stress hormone, decreased by about 12%, the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, which increases tension, decreased by about 7%, while the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, which works during relaxation, increased by about 55%.
Furthermore, exposure to nature is also expected to enhance immune function. A study conducted by the Heisei Medical Association titled "Forest Bathing and Mental Health Improvement" investigated how much natural killer cells (NK cells), a type of immune cell, increased after one day and two days of forest bathing. The results showed that NK cells increased by about 27% after one day of forest bathing and about 53% after two days.(*1)
In other words, it can be said that the healing effects of interacting with nature are scientifically proven.
It is also said that interacting with nature influences the development of a person's sensitivity. Spending time in nature and noticing various changes—such as the color changes of leaves, the way leaves sway when the wind blows, and the scents of trees and flowers—helps nurture sensitivity. By perceiving changes in natural scenery that are rarely seen in the city, one may become more attuned to subtle changes in other matters as well.
Nowadays, it is said that opportunities to interact with nature have decreased compared to the past, making it extremely important to actively create time to enjoy the outdoors with children as part of education.
What are the leisure spots in Kanto where you can enjoy various outdoor activities?
In the Kanto region, there are leisure spots where you can experience various outdoor activities. Among them, at Mobility Resort Motegi in Motegi, Haga District, Tochigi Prefecture, you can find the Mobility Resort Motegi Hotel overlooking the racing course, the Park with attractions for both children and adults, and Hello Woods, where you can play and learn while interacting with nature.
Hello Woods is a nature-rich area carefully managed by dedicated staff, where many living creatures inhabit. Here, in addition to camping, there are numerous enjoyable spots such as "Lizard Rock Climbing," where you can climb a 1.5-meter-high wall, and the "Animal Research Laboratory," where you can observe the ecology of living creatures. Furthermore, various outdoor activities that parents and children can enjoy together are also available.
In the activities, for example, within Hello Woods, there is the "Hacchoutonbo Rice Terrace" where the "Satoyama Little Adventurers ~ Mud Play in the Rice Field ~" activity is available, allowing children to get muddy and play freely in the spaces of rice paddies where rice planting has not been done.
In this way, at Hello Woods, you can fully connect with nature just by strolling around or playing on the playground equipment placed throughout the park, but there are also activities that allow you to experience nature more deeply, so you can enjoy it differently each time you visit.
Interacting with nature not only brings many relaxation effects for both mind and body,
but it is also expected to improve immunity and foster sensitivity.
Especially now, when it is easy to feel stressed, why not refresh yourself by enjoying outdoor activities in nature?
